There are lots of different terms used in dentistry, so it is easy to see why some people might get confused. Sometimes dental procedures are grouped together in an overall plan. When this happens, a general term can be used to describe them. Two of the most common that you might hear are a ‘smile makeover’ and a ‘full mouth reconstruction’. What are they and what do they involve? To help you understand more, here’s what you need to know about the difference between a smile makeover and a full mouth reconstruction.

What is a Smile Makeover?

The primary focus of a smile makeover is to enhance the cosmetic appearance of your teeth and restore your confidence in their appearance. There can be many different things that we dislike about the way that our teeth look. These may be fairly minor and easily resolved, or there may be a combination of factors that cause us to feel self-conscious about our smile. Whatever the issue is, a smile makeover can help.

A smile makeover typically refers to a combination of different procedures carried out with the intention of enhancing the appearance of teeth. It may not be possible for these to all be carried out at once, and many people undergo a treatment plan over several months, after which they are left with improvements to their teeth that help them to feel confident about sharing their smiles with the world.

What Treatments are Typically Included in a Smile Makeover?

There are a variety of different treatments that can be included in a smile makeover and your cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you which will be most effective based on your individual circumstances. Some of the procedures which you may be offered could include the following:

Teeth Whitening: As the name suggests, this is a treatment that uses bleaching agents to lighten the color of the teeth and remove any discoloration or staining.

Veneers: These are thin, shell-like covers that are applied to the outer enamel of the teeth to cover minor imperfections. These include cracks, chips and stains. Veneers can also be used to make teeth look more uniform in height and thickness.

Porcelain crown: A porcelain crown is a custom-designed, tooth-shaped hollow cap that can be used to cover a tooth that is badly eroded, discolored or otherwise unattractive.

Bonding: Dental bonding is a popular alternative to veneers and whitening and uses a tooth-colored resin that is molded and shaped onto the teeth to cover minor imperfections, before being hardened.

Invisalign: Invisalign is a modern, effective way of moving teeth that are misaligned into a more attractive position. This includes teeth that are crooked, twisted, gapped and overlapping. Invisalign uses removable clear aligners, making the solution much more convenient and popular than braces.

It is important to note that whilst the procedures that are offered as part of a smile makeover are primarily recommended because of the cosmetic benefits that they offer; many also have functional benefits for the teeth.

What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

A full mouth reconstruction refers to a series of different dental treatments that are performed with the intention of fixing damaged or decayed teeth and restoring their function and your overall oral health. This makes it very different from a smile makeover which focuses purely on the aesthetics of your teeth.

Again, a full mouth reconstruction usually takes place over a series of months, ensuring that all aspects are carried out with sufficient time for your teeth and mouth to heal in between appointments.

What Treatments are Typically Included in a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Your dentist will be able to advise you which procedures you will need to have as part of your full mouth reconstruction. These could include any of the following:

Dental implants: Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth that have been extracted or fallen out due to decay or trauma. They use a titanium post to replace the root, and the bone grows around this to anchor the artificial tooth into the jawbone permanently. The design can also be used to support some types of bridges and dentures.

Dentures: Conventional dentures are a less expensive option than implants and can be used to replace full or partial arches of missing teeth. They comprise of artificial teeth that have been attached to a mold that is placed over the gum and secured with adhesive. They are removable and need to be cleaned in water and a special solution overnight.

Crowns: Dental crowns can also be used as a functional solution to restore a natural tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. The crown sits over the top of the damaged tooth, hiding it inside and restoring the shape, size, and strength of it so that you can use the tooth as normal.

Bridges: If you have several missing teeth, you may be recommended to have a bridge. This is a series of three or more connecting crowns, the ends of which are placed over healthy existing teeth while the middle crowns fill the gaps.

Root Canal: Root canal is recommended for teeth that have an infection within the root and is the only way to potentially prevent the tooth from being extracted. The process involves accessing the root and cleaning it using special tools before sealing it with a crown.

Periodontal treatments: These are treatments that are designed to address problems with the gum tissue, particularly gum disease. There are lots of different periodontal treatments and these will be explained to you by your dentist.

If you would like any more information on the differences between a smile makeover and a full mouth reconstruction, our expert dental team at Dr. Sam's Premier Dentistry in Sherman, TX would be delighted to help. Please contact us today.